Press: Italy not eyeing full Alitalia sale

5 December 2006

Italy is looking not to sell its entire stake in Alitalia but instead for a partner to revive the struggling airline, Deputy Economy Minister Roberto Pinza told Italian radio on Monday. On Friday Italy announced plans to sell roughly half its 49.9 percent stake. A government source later said the government foresaw no obstacles in eventually selling off all its shares in Alitalia.

Pinza said in a radio interview, “There is not a detailed programme. Now a partner is being sought, not a full replacement, to give up a stake—then going hand in hand together to see what could be the best solution.”

The government is expected to release a tender document detailing the stake sale soon.——-